Treve bids for historic third Arc win

Treve's story of revival and sporting prowess could have the happiest of endings this Sunday

Early October every year, all eyes of the horse racing world turn to Paris, where the richest race in Europe unfolds.

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp racecourse offers a £2.2 million prize fund for those competing to be crowned the best middle distance horse in Europe.

There are several reasons for its presitigious reputation.

Not only does it bring together racehorses from across the world and from several generations, but as an end of season showpiece it turns famous horses into infamous ones.

This season looks to be no different, as Treve, a five-year-old French mare, bids to win the race for an unprecented third time.

Treve winning the Arc in 2013 (Getty Images)

Her victory in 2013 announced her as the finest three-year-old around, before resurrecting a torrid season to win the Arc again in 2014 at 11/1 (an incredible price considering her impressive victory the year before).

At the heart of that turn-around was a jockey drama, as before the race Treve's contracted jockey, Frankie Dettori, was replaced by frenchman Thierry Jarnet, now partly credited with the horse's revival.

The disappointing form she showed last year before lining up for the Arc is a distant memory now, having been emphatic in her three wins this year and earning hot favouritism in this year's market.

Her opposition is fiercer than ever however, with both the Epsom Derby winner, Golden Horn, and the French Derby winner, New Bay in the field.

Both three-year-old colts, the young boys on the block will do all they can to topple queen Treve.

Horse racing may rarely make the sporting headlines but should Treve be victorious come 3pm Sunday, her story of revival and natural ability deserves due credit.

Whatever the result, she is destined for a career as a broodmare next year with this her last race. Here's hoping she can sign off a remarkable career in the best way possible.